Ambitions is the band’s eighth full-length album and it comes in two versions, Japanese and English. It features the singles Always Coming Back, Taking Off, Bedroom Warfare, I Was King and We Are.

With the band signing on to the American record label Fueled by Ramen they plan go worldwide starting with this album. With that in mind one has to wonder whether this will capture the attention of an audience outside of their native Japan.

After listening to Ambitions I can say it has the right formula for success. Many of the songs have that “radio friendly” vibe to them. And due to the more personal topics of the songs there is the potential for them to resonate more with a wider group of listeners.

Also, having an English language version of the album also helps in getting that worldwide appeal as well.

The two editions generally have the same track listing with the exception of a few songs being exclusive to whatever version you buy. The songs 20/20, Always Coming Back and Lost in Tonight are on the Japanese version. Jaded, Hard To Love and American Girls are on the English version.

Given that Ambitions is blatantly geared towards achieving that worldwide break out is it still worth giving a spin? Well yes. Yes it is. Regardless of what version you listen to, Ambitions is enjoyable from beginning to end. If you want to cherry pick songs instead of listening to the entire thing go with the singles along with Bombs Away, Jaded and 20/20 as starters.

If you like those then give the rest of the album a go.

One note to make is that this album will not be for everyone. Some may not like ONE OK ROCK veering off into the land of pop fluff for a short detour. There is still enough of what makes this band appealing despite that. So if you are wary, I would recommend you at least give Ambitions a chance and see if anything changes your mind.